Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a thermal laser treatment that is performed at the level of the trabecular meshwork, the eye structure placed in the angle between the iris and the cornea, where they form the greatest obstacle to the outflow of aqueous humor.
Treatment is indicated:
- in primary open-angle glaucoma;
- in cases where topical therapy is poorly tolerated or insufficient or the patient’s compliance is inadequate (the patient does not put eye drops);
- in exfoliative glaucoma;
- in pigmentary glaucoma;
The purpose of the laser is to dilate the meshes of the trabecular meshwork, to facilitate the exit of liquids from the eye and lower the intraocular pressure.
The therapeutic effect is good (2-5 mm Hg), it tends to decrease in 1-2 years, but the treatment is always repeatable.
The main indication of selective laser trabeculoplasty concerns patients where medical therapy cannot reach the target optimal blood pressure of a few millimeters of mercury. Selective laser trabeculoplasty is therefore indicated in forms of glaucoma that are not too decompensated.
With the result of SLT, one should not discontinue the therapy with eye drops, since the drugs often obtain important pressure reductions with the same therapy in place.
The treatment is outpatient, painless and does not require anesthesia or post-treatment therapy; the good result of the treatment is verified about a month after the execution.
The patient is already able to return to normal activities from the moment he leaves the eye surgery room.
